For twenty or thirty years, you likely introduced yourself as “Dave’s wife” or “the kids’ mom.” During that time, you built your schedule, your meals, and even your wardrobe around the needs of other people. Although it was a labor of love, it was also an act of erasure. When the marriage ends—whether through divorce or death—you aren’t just losing a partner; unfortunately, you are losing the framework of your entire life.
Who are you when you aren’t managing someone else’s existence? While this question is terrifying, it is also the most exciting one you will ever answer. Rebuilding your identity isn’t about “finding” yourself. Rather, it is about creating yourself from scratch, using all the wisdom you have earned. Here are eight steps to reclaiming the woman who has been waiting in the wings.
